Cast-Iron Poffertjes Dutch Pancakes Delicious Treat

December 2, 2025June 18, 2025 by Natalie

Are you ready to indulge in a delightful Dutch treat? Cast-Iron Poffertjes are mini pancakes that pack a punch! With a fluffy texture and a hint of sweetness, these treats are super fun to make. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients, and I promise they are worth the effort. Join me as we create a delicious batch that you can enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and Delicious: These poffertjes are fluffy and sweet, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up these tasty pancakes with ease.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it great for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
Customizable Toppings: You can enjoy them plain or dress them up with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite syrup!

Ingredients

To make delicious cast-iron poffertjes, gather these simple ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

These ingredients blend to create a light and fluffy pancake. The yeast gives them a unique texture. The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can also serve them with fresh berries for an extra treat. Enjoy these delights any time of the day!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Yeast Mixture

First, combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl.
Next, allow the mixture to foam for 5-10 minutes. This shows that the yeast is active.

Mixing the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Mix well until the batter is smooth. It is okay if some lumps remain.

Cooking Poffertjes

Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Lightly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Once hot, drop about a tablespoon of batter for each mini pancake.
Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, about 1-2 minutes.
Flip the poffertjes using a spatula and cook until golden brown, another 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the cooked poffertjes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat this for the remaining batter.
Finally, dust the poffertjes with powdered sugar and serve warm. Add fresh berries if you like.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Batter Consistency

To get the best poffertjes, avoid overmixing your batter. Mix just until smooth. A few lumps are okay. This helps keep them fluffy. Look for these signs to know your batter is ready: it should be thick yet pourable. If you see bubbles, you’re on the right track!

Best Practices for Using Cast-Iron

Preheating your cast-iron skillet is key. Heat it on medium for even cooking. You want it hot but not smoking. Use a little butter or cooking spray to oil the pan. This creates a non-stick surface. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel for the best results.

Flipping Techniques

For flipping, use a thin spatula to slide under the poffertjes. This helps prevent breaking. Timing is important, too. Wait until you see bubbles on top before flipping. Cook until golden brown on both sides for that perfect finish.

Pro Tips

Activate Your Yeast Properly: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to allow the yeast to bloom effectively, which helps your poffertjes rise beautifully.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the batter light and fluffy. A few lumps are okay!
Use a Properly Preheated Skillet: A well-preheated cast-iron skillet ensures even cooking and a perfect golden-brown crust on your poffertjes.
Experiment with Toppings: Customize your poffertjes with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or seasonal fruits for added flavor.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of poffertjes easily. Adding spices makes them unique. Try a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices bring an amazing taste to each bite. If you love chocolate, mix in cocoa powder. This will give you a rich, cocoa-flavored treat. You can even combine both ideas! Use a little cinnamon with cocoa for a spicy chocolate twist.

Topping Ideas

Toppings can change poffertjes from good to great. The classic choice is powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch. In different regions, people use syrups or fruit. In the Netherlands, you might find poffertjes served with butter and syrup. For a fresh option, try seasonal fruit. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, are perfect. You can also drizzle maple syrup for extra sweetness. Each topping can change the whole experience, so have fun with it!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Poffertjes

To keep your leftover poffertjes fresh, store them properly. First, let them cool completely. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. To freeze, layer parchment paper between poffertjes in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Methods

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two great options: the oven or a skillet. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place poffertjes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep them soft and warm.

Using a skillet is another option. Heat a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add poffertjes and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This method gives them a nice crisp outside while keeping the inside soft. No matter how you reheat them, enjoy your delicious poffertjes!

FAQs

What is the origin of poffertjes?

Poffertjes come from the Netherlands. They are small, fluffy pancakes with a rich history. These treats date back to the 16th century. They are often served at fairs and festivals. Poffertjes are a symbol of Dutch culture and tradition. People enjoy them warm, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also add fresh berries for extra flavor.

Can you make poffertjes without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, you can make poffertjes without a cast-iron skillet. You can use a non-stick frying pan or a poffertjes pan. A poffertjes pan has small, round molds perfect for these pancakes. Just make sure to grease the pan well. This keeps them from sticking. You can also use an electric poffertjes maker if you have one. This tool cooks them quickly and evenly.

How do you know when poffertjes are cooked?

You can tell when poffertjes are cooked by looking for bubbles. As they cook, small bubbles will form on the surface. This shows they are ready to flip. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown when done. If they look too pale, give them more time. Enjoy your delicious poffertjes warm!

You learned how to make poffertjes from scratch using simple ingredients. This tasty treat starts with a yeast mixture and ends with a golden finish. I shared tips for perfect batter and cooking techniques, like flipping. You can also customize poffertjes with flavors and toppings. Remember to store leftovers well for later enjoyment. Now you can impress friends and family with your poffertjes skills! Enjoy making these yummy bites and have fun in the kitche

$To make delicious cast-iron poffertjes, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup water - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt - Powdered sugar for dusting - Fresh berries (optional, for serving) These ingredients blend to create a light and fluffy pancake. The yeast gives them a unique texture. The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can also serve them with fresh berries for an extra treat. Enjoy these delights any time of the day! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. - Next, allow the mixture to foam for 5-10 minutes. This shows that the yeast is active. - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. - Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. - Mix well until the batter is smooth. It is okay if some lumps remain. - Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat. - Lightly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Once hot, drop about a tablespoon of batter for each mini pancake. - Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, about 1-2 minutes. - Flip the poffertjes using a spatula and cook until golden brown, another 1-2 minutes. - Transfer the cooked poffertjes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat this for the remaining batter. - Finally, dust the poffertjes with powdered sugar and serve warm. Add fresh berries if you like. To get the best poffertjes, avoid overmixing your batter. Mix just until smooth. A few lumps are okay. This helps keep them fluffy. Look for these signs to know your batter is ready: it should be thick yet pourable. If you see bubbles, you’re on the right track! Preheating your cast-iron skillet is key. Heat it on medium for even cooking. You want it hot but not smoking. Use a little butter or cooking spray to oil the pan. This creates a non-stick surface. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel for the best results. For flipping, use a thin spatula to slide under the poffertjes. This helps prevent breaking. Timing is important, too. Wait until you see bubbles on top before flipping. Cook until golden brown on both sides for that perfect finish. Pro Tips Activate Your Yeast Properly: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to allow the yeast to bloom effectively, which helps your poffertjes rise beautifully. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the batter light and fluffy. A few lumps are okay! Use a Properly Preheated Skillet: A well-preheated cast-iron skillet ensures even cooking and a perfect golden-brown crust on your poffertjes. Experiment with Toppings: Customize your poffertjes with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or seasonal fruits for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of poffertjes easily. Adding spices makes them unique. Try a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices bring an amazing taste to each bite. If you love chocolate, mix in cocoa powder. This will give you a rich, cocoa-flavored treat. You can even combine both ideas! Use a little cinnamon with cocoa for a spicy chocolate twist. Toppings can change poffertjes from good to great. The classic choice is powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch. In different regions, people use syrups or fruit. In the Netherlands, you might find poffertjes served with butter and syrup. For a fresh option, try seasonal fruit. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, are perfect. You can also drizzle maple syrup for extra sweetness. Each topping can change the whole experience, so have fun with it! To keep your leftover poffertjes fresh, store them properly. First, let them cool completely. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. To freeze, layer parchment paper between poffertjes in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won't stick together. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two great options: the oven or a skillet. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place poffertjes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep them soft and warm. Using a skillet is another option. Heat a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add poffertjes and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This method gives them a nice crisp outside while keeping the inside soft. No matter how you reheat them, enjoy your delicious poffertjes! Poffertjes come from the Netherlands. They are small, fluffy pancakes with a rich history. These treats date back to the 16th century. They are often served at fairs and festivals. Poffertjes are a symbol of Dutch culture and tradition. People enjoy them warm, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also add fresh berries for extra flavor. Yes, you can make poffertjes without a cast-iron skillet. You can use a non-stick frying pan or a poffertjes pan. A poffertjes pan has small, round molds perfect for these pancakes. Just make sure to grease the pan well. This keeps them from sticking. You can also use an electric poffertjes maker if you have one. This tool cooks them quickly and evenly. You can tell when poffertjes are cooked by looking for bubbles. As they cook, small bubbles will form on the surface. This shows they are ready to flip. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown when done. If they look too pale, give them more time. Enjoy your delicious poffertjes warm! You learned how to make poffertjes from scratch using simple ingredients. This tasty treat starts with a yeast mixture and ends with a golden finish. I shared tips for perfect batter and cooking techniques, like flipping. You can also customize poffertjes with flavors and toppings. Remember to store leftovers well for later enjoyment. Now you can impress friends and family with your poffertjes skills! Enjoy making these yummy bites and have fun in the kitchen!$